The Complete Guide To Colaba Causeway, Mumbai
While it is the city of dreams and shocks, the city where Bollywood resides, and the city where life is most uncertain, Mumbai is also the city with the most beautiful heart. And this heart houses innumerable places that are must-visits. Of course, to each his own, however, Colaba Causeway has a charm that anyone can rarely resist. If you are visiting Mumbai, or even better, living here, a visit to the Causeway is an absolute must.
Shopping is the first reason why Colaba Causeway is famous, the next being food! From cheap, street clothes to fashionable boutiques, this lane, which houses old buildings from the British Raj, has it all. While you can stroll through the footpaths and look for clothes, shoes, purses, and even jewelry in the latest designs, you can also step into one of the boutiques and look at exquisite furnishings, clothes, etc. The street vendors sell the latest fashion at throwaway prices, which can be bargained for to a great extent. It is always good to spend some time here; you never know what steal you will find.
If boutiques and exquisite things fascinate you, then you have the option of stepping into AAA, Aquamarine, Bunglow 8, Bombay Electric, Attic, Fuschia and Orange, Khubsons and Silver House amongst many more. Curio Cottage is an ideal place to stop over for trendy and antique silver jewelry.
Right when you enter the Causeway (or at the end, depending on which way you are coming from), you have Regal Cinema to the left (or right) where you can catch a movie if you wish to do so. Very few old school cinema halls remain these days, so catching a leisurely show in such theaters can be fun at times.
If you take a stroll in the lane behind Regal Cinema, you will find yourself walking into the sun as it sets on the Arabian Sea. Tourists and locals alike will be seen strolling on the Strand Promenade, which will lead you to the Gateway of India — and what a majestic sight beholds you there! Across the road, looming on the skyline, is the grand Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Although the security is tighter now than before, the experience remains the same as it did back in the 80s — grand.
Back on the lane, you might be hungry, and with so many choices, you will be spoiled. Bademiya, Baghdadi and Delhi Darbar are ideal if you want to dig in straight away. Or you can hop over to Leopold Café & Bar, Café Mondegar or Café Basilico Bistro & Deli for a leisurely time, watching people passing by while you enjoy your food and drinks. To satisfy your sweet tooth, drop in at Theobroma. Apart from these, you also have the choice of McDonald’s, Kamath’s and Café Coffee Day.
A day is not usually enough to visit every corner of the Colaba Causeway, though at some times, it is enough. Like most of the places in Mumbai, the Causeway too has a character to it — a character that molds with yours and accepts you as you are. You might go there one morning to shop with your friends, but you’ll return rich with experience and history.